Fatal paraglider accident near Černá hora due to rotor turbulence

Casualties unknown • Černá Hora, CZ

A Polish paraglider pilot lost control of his aircraft after being pushed into severe rotor turbulence near the Černá hora summit, resulting in a fatal impact.

What happened

On July 17, 2011, at approximately 14:15 UTC, a paraglider accident occurred near the summit of Černá hora. The pilot was flying a NOVA FACTOR paraglider in strong southwest winds characterized by gusts, preceding a visible cold front.

Witnesses, including other paraglider pilots, observed the pilot flying near the ridge. Around 14:00 UTC, witnesses attempted to warn the pilot via radio that the weather conditions were deteriorating and advised him to increase his airspeed to move away from the ridge. Although the pilot acknowledged the warning by manipulating his wing edges, he continued his flight path. Eventually, the pilot turned further toward the lee side of the mountain and disappeared behind the horizon.

As the pilot entered the lee side of the mountain, the aircraft lost forward airspeed and was pushed into intensifying rotor turbulence. The pilot maintained active control of the collapsing wing but ultimately lost control near the ground. The aircraft likely struck a tree stump and the terrain during a pendulum motion, resulting in one fatality.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the underestimation of meteorological conditions and the subsequent loss of control of the paraglider while flying in rotor turbulence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-07-17 Nova - Factor accident near Černá Hora, CZ?

A Polish paraglider pilot lost control of his aircraft after being pushed into severe rotor turbulence near the Černá hora summit, resulting in a fatal impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-07-17 involved a Nova - Factor, at Černá Hora, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the underestimation of meteorological conditions and the subsequent loss of control of the paraglider while flying in rotor turbulence.

Investigation report by the Czech Air Accidents Investigation Institute (UZPLN). Original record: https://uzpln.gov.cz/incident/260. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Ustav pro odborne zjistovani pricin leteckych nehod (UZPLN), Czech Republic.

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